So this is it! Wow, just about a year and a half later. This is the final chapter and it moves quickly in short bursts, trying up all those things (I think) are important. I hope you enjoyed the story and if you did, please, by all means, let me know. I welcome all comments. Look for something new coming soon! I'm just trying to work out the details so I don't go into it…blindly, lol! Enjoy and review!
L Cailan
CHAPTER SEVENTY-SEVEN
Hermione did not move from the large front stoop she stood on. Something inside her battle-strengthened heart would not allow her to cower yet again. She had spent too many years, too many moments giving in to what others wanted from her.
"I did not murder Blaise Zabini."
"If that is the case then why has no one stepped forward to confess? Surely they know that you will be put on trial for such a heinous crime, no? Why would they allow that? Why would they not spare you what is to come?"
Hermione's face remained passive and her expression without emotion. No one would ever be able to tell of the war that raged within her. The nameless Official watched her with a mild curiosity.
"Who did it, Madame Longbottom, if it wasn't you?"
But Hermione remained silent and unmoving, refusing to say anything. She had already decided that she would never tell what had really happened. Draco had saved her once and now she would return the favor.
Calmly she turned to see Ginny cradling Leo. She offered them both a smile.
"Take care of him while I'm away."
There was a strange gentleness in her tone and Hermione surprised even herself because she didn't feel as calm as she sounded.
"I'll see you as soon as I can, sweetheart," she said to Leo, pressing her lips firmly against the softness of his hair. "I promise."
She squeezed Ginny's fingers one last time before letting go and turning to face the waiting Ministry. She stepped forward to join them.
They're using her as an example!
It was the thought on the minds of many in wizarding London that day. Hermione Granger Longbottom had been arrested for Blaise Zabini's death. The news spread quickly through the Ministry of Magic and then elsewhere.
And instead of Apparating directly to Azkaban Hermione was paraded through the city in an open-air cart like the most common of criminals. She became the symbol for those who had demanded retribution for Blaise's death. She became the symbol of the Ministry's power and proof that Neville no longer held any importance within the British Ministry.
The cart moved slowly through the city streets drawing the attentions of most everyone out and about. Some sympathized and others cared not. Still others yelled and jeered in bloodthirsty fervor.
Hermione sat on the hard, wooden seat, huddled away from the taunting coming in her direction. She felt the way she had that long-ago night when the old Ministry had broken into her flat and taken her away to the alienage. This wasn't much different except that she was alone with no one to share her fears and misery with.
I'm so scared.
Buildings, streets and people blurred together as the cart moved through the city but soon enough the buildings became spaced further apart and the cart came to a lumbering stop near the outskirts of London. Hermione knew that after England there would be Scotland and she could only guess when the Ministry would cease her pain and humiliation and lock her up in Azkaban. She wondered if she would ever see the light of day again and closing her eyes she began to pray that God protect Leo, Draco and all those others that she had hurt in her life.
Ginny looked at him, her brown eyes pleading with Draco.
"We don't have much time; they'll be taking her to Azkaban as soon as they're finishing using her as a laughing stock."
Seamus was pacing the room of Draco's small, cramped flat. He had been staying there since the arrest of the other Death Eaters in Ireland. The Irishman paused at the tiny window.
"They won't let her rest none," he muttered. "A sacrificial lamb she is! Sure, the British Ministry has no mercy!"
But then again, it never had and they all knew it.
Draco's gray eyes were wide with concern.
"They won't…they won't give her to the Dementors-"
Ginny was wringing her hands and she spoke in a low voice so that Leo, who was sitting quietly in the other room, would not hear.
"The trial…there will be a trial first, but-"
Draco paled.
"Does she really stand a chance? The Ministry wants to hang her no matter what! They'll crap on even the best defense, won't they?"
Draco's voice was tinged with pain and he hoped that in Ginny and Seamus he could find some solace. There was none to be found.
Hermione crouched in the wooden cart still as death. She had closed her eyes and her mind from the rest of the world and soon all of it seemed to fade away. She had worried and feared Azkaban and the Dementors in another time and another life but now everything – all the feelings of terror – swept over her once again.
She had felt like this lifetimes before – alone and terrified of what the next moment would bring. Had she learned nothing in all these years? Had she gained no strength? Why couldn't she be brave?
I'm innocent for Merlin's sake!
Her mind drifted to Draco, picturing him in those moments she had tucked away in her book of memories. She saw his smile, the way the depths of his grey eyes would glow when he looked down at her. She saw his slender, pale fingers caressing her face and heard his whispered 'I love yous'. He had protected her at the cost of his job, his marriage…everything. Because he loved her – he had loved her in her darkest moments when no one else could have loved her.
Hermione shuddered.
She knew that if she simply pointed a finger in Draco's direction, implicating him as the culprit, the Ministry would release her and arrest him. She knew that she was reviled because she had lain with the enemy. They would judge her; she would never truly be forgiven for doing only what she had needed to for survival. They would whisper about her. The shame of Hermione Longbottom, the wife of the Minister, having behaved like such a whore!
Oh, yes, they would judge her but in the end it was Draco who they hated - Draco and all those left that still bore the Mark. If they had him they would forget her – and all her misdeeds.
Hermione shifted on the hard, wooden bench, feeling her body groaning with discomfort. She knew she could never turn Draco into the Ministry. He had done everything in his power to protect her and now she would do the same.
But at what cost?
She couldn't think about it. She couldn't – it would do no good.
Up ahead she could hear the two wizards who had been driving the cart for hours now. They mumbled to one another and Hermione couldn't hear exactly what was said. She gauged that they were annoyed about having to travel by Muggle means. She also knew that there would be hours of travel time in Scotland.
Sighing she stopped straining to hear and tried to clear her mind. The two wizards in front of her continued to talk quietly as they pulled the vehicle to the side of the road.
"I wager I'm a bit peaked, I am."
"Aye, wouldn't mind having a bite myself."
That decided, one of them turned to secure Hermione using magical bindings before they both abandoned her in favor of a small, run-down pub from which could be heard all manner of loud ruckus. Once blessed silence arrived Hermione pulled experimentally at her chains wondering if she could somehow escape. The thought had been in her mind from the beginning.
I've been through so much worse! How could bloody bindings keep me from escaping?
But they would. She had no wand and she was secured too closely to the wooden plank on which she sat. Frustrated, Hermione let out a groan and gave up, falling limply back against the walls of her prison. She would have to hope for mercy. She would have to believe that the Ministry was not nearly as prejudiced as she believed it was.
They couldn't put her in Azkaban for something she didn't do, could they? But then again, they had put Sirius Black-
A stealthy thump interrupted Hermione's dark thoughts. She sat up the hairs on the back of her neck prickling.
Thump.
Hermione leaned forward, straining so she could look over the wooden railings of the cart. She saw nothing but her heart began to hammer wildly.
Thump.
"Hello?" she called out in a near whisper. "Hello, who's there? Please, I-"
What was she thinking? Could her poor heart trust that someone out there was going to help her?
"Hello?"
Hermione glanced around, beyond the street where the light from the pub spilled onto the cobbled walkway.
"Mama?"
Hermione felt her heart stop.
"L-leo? Merlin's bloody…Leo, is that you?"
Tears filled her eyes as she yanked viciously against her bindings wanting to be free.
"Mama, you hafta be quiet!"
Her vision blurred by emotion, Hermione grabbed the wooden planks so hard she felt splinters against her palms.
"Leo-"
That's when she saw them gathered by the cart. Ginny, Seamus, Draco and Leo. Leo was hanging off the side of the cart eagerly trying to clamber up to join his mother. She cried softly with joy.
"What are you doing here?"
Her voice was a tearful choke.
"We gonna save you, silly Mama."
Leo's voice was filled with a child's simple innocence. He didn't know how serious Hermione's situation was; he would never need to know.
Struggling once again against her bonds she reached with shaking fingers to stoke Leo's soft curls. The feeling of silky hair against her fingertips made everything all too real.
"They'll be back soon," she managed thickly, her eyes moving towards the rowdy pub. "They only went in for a quick bite."
The others gathered around the cart as Hermione's eyes landed on Draco's pale face. He offered her a smile – one of those smiles – the ones she had loved for what had seemed forever. Flashes of their previous life - the private one, the moments they had shared alone without the rest of the world – overwhelmed her. Despite all the darkness that had enveloped her, Draco had always made Hermione feel that hope still existed.
And now he stood by her side as he had always done. She would love him forever – Hermione had no doubts.
"Draco, if they as much suspect that you had something to do with Blaise's death they'll be no stopping them," she whispered but he only shook his head.
"They won't."
Moving quickly the two men unlocked the latch of the cart and climbed in. Seamus quickly dissolved her magical chains and Hermione fell into Draco's arms gratefully, pressing herself against his coat, breathing in the familiar scent that had many a night lulled her to sleep. She was shaking with obvious relief and Draco patiently held her until she was still.
Gathering her wits about her, Hermione pulled away.
"Let's hurry."
It was a reckless thing they were doing; each of them knew it in the back of their minds but none of them would risk Hermione facing a trial – especially a trial before a Ministry that was prejudiced against her past deeds. And though it was unspoken they all knew that Hermione would no longer be able to live in Britain. But saving her was more important than having her near.
As long as she was alive…
Quickly, Hermione pulled her son close to her and kissed him on the forehead. He hugged her tightly and then the group clasped hands. There was a rustling of the breeze and they were gone with a 'pop'.
The Daily Prophet was the first to put out the headline.
Witch charged with Zabini murder Escapes Ministry
They stared down at the offensive headline and Seamus scoffed at it.
"Rubbish paper," he muttered angrily.
Hermione stood in the corner of the room, huddled next to Draco and her son, wearing a long, black traveling cloak. Her eyes seemed bright in spite of the shadows created by the heavy hood. It had only been six hours since Hermione's escape and already she was 'at large'. She was a fugitive from the Ministry law and every publication in London had her face splashed across its headlines. They had Apparated into Ireland where the Ministry, though well informed of her escape – was not yet on high alert.
But this would only buy them a bit of time.
Hermione knew she would have to run from the Ministry once again. It was a surreal realization for she was the Minister's wife – she held the highest position within an organization that wanted to see her rot in Azkaban. She was sure there had never been such bitter irony.
Long moments of stony silence stretched between the small group and even Leo remained uncharacteristically silent.
"They'll most likely be watching the Floo," Ginny said softly walking towards Hermione, Draco and Leo. "Muggle means would be safest even though it might take longer. Seamus bought you train tickets."
She handed Hermione a long envelope.
"He also pulled some strings and came up with papers for you," she continued to whisper, "in case someone asks you to identify yourselves."
Hermione gripped the envelope too overcome with uncertainty to speak.
"And don't forget your disillusionment charms as soon as you get to the train station."
Another silence followed but Hermione was unable to keep silent any longer.
"What about you? What about the fact that I might never be able to come back?"
She gripped Ginny's hand with the one that was free. Tears filled her eyes.
"Hermione, as long as I know you're safe I'll find a way to see you," Ginny whispered.
"Aye, we all will," Seamus added firmly.
Hermione glanced up at him uncertainly.
"But-"
"Hush, not buts," replied Seamus. "Family is family no matter where they be."
Then he glanced at Draco, sticking out his hand to shake firmly. An understanding had passed between the two men; Hermione had been their reason for a truce. In fact, Draco believed that Hermione was his reason for anything. Life without her had been impossible; life with her was what he wanted, no matter what lay before them.
"I'll take care of her," Draco promised.
Ginny hugged Hermione tightly.
"This isn't good-bye," she whispered against the brunette's ear. "You remember all those other times we've said good-bye, don't you? We always found our way together again. You're my sister; you're my family and I will love you all my days."
Hermione's tears slipped down her cheeks silently.
"I love you too, Gin. You and the children and, oh! Give them kisses for me, won't you?"
Ginny smiled through her own tears.
"Everyday, I promise."
Seamus looked towards the window at the coming dawn. The sky was beginning to lighten just slightly. The mood began to darken, becoming more anxious.
"We don't have much time," Draco said. "There won't be any telling what kind of search there will be for Hermione if she isn't gone soon."
Ginny and Seamus nodded and quickly they said their good-byes once more, kissing Leo on his head as he slept in Hermione's arms.
Hermione looked at her family somberly.
"As soon as I can, I'll send information," she determined.
Ginny offered a brave smile at first to Hermione and then she leaned up to give Draco a hug.
"We'll be waiting," she murmured with hope.
One Month Later
The sun shone brightly, dancing along the clean, white walls of the Medical Memorial Clinic. Here, near Neville Longbottom's quarters, all was silent. That was how it had been from the moment he had been brought here – all his staff and those whom had loved him waited with anxious and hopeful silence for a change in his condition.
But the British Minister slept on, oblivious to the hopes of those that lived in the waking world.
At first the staff at the Clinic, led by Luna Lovegood, had not taken to Pansy Parkinson at all. She was, after all, one of the scorned – a Death Eater. No one had understood why she would be the one, of all people, to return Neville to his home. Much to Pansy's relief however, they hadn't asked questions. Perhaps that was because Luna had never seemed the confrontational type. So Pansy settled into a sort of half-life.
She spent most of her time at the Clinic, checking on Neville each morning, noon and night. She would sit at his bedside, reading to him sometimes or just gazing out of the window in silence. In those silent moments she would ruminate over the few brief conversations she had shared with him wondering how one man had touched her so deeply with only simple conversation. In the afternoons when it would get busier she would help change his sheets, his clothing and clean his room. And in the evenings she would make sure he was still as he had been earlier in the day. She hardly ever saw his staff though often times she would glimpse Luna sitting by Neville's bedside much the same way as she, herself, did.
Though it seemed futile that he ever wake up, Pansy had not given up hope that one day she'd be able to speak to him again. Each day brought the same, comfortable routine.
The skeptics around her who had been so cold begun to thaw a week after Neville's sudden return. After all she was harming no one and certainly a woman who doted so much on one man must have cared deeply for him. They soon adapted to her presence and after two weeks' time Pansy began to feel them warming up to her. Luna was no friendlier than before but at least she was no longer icy cold. Soon, however, even she began to rely on Pansy and value her opinions – if they were offered.
Even in Cardiff, amongst those who had thought her the enemy, Pansy Parkinson became a silent leader.
She took all this silently and with humbleness, concerned only with Neville's well-being. As he slept on Pansy had realized that in caring for him and in coming to Wales at his side, she had gained a purpose. She had a reason to live now, which, in all her years with the old Ministry had never been true. Pansy only hoped that one day she would be able to share this truth Neville. Would he understand? Could he even fathom the possibility that someone like herself might care for him? Certainly he was much too good; she was too flawed. He was a good, righteous man deserving of much more than he had ever been blessed with.
Hours had turned into days and days into weeks. Her routine had become as familiar to her as her own reflection. That was until that morning, four weeks later, when she found him awake and sitting up, holding Luna Lovegood's hand.
North America
The city was a small one. In fact, it seemed more like a village than a city but the Muggles called it what it was and Draco wasn't going to argue with them. It had a city hall and a winding river by a long name he could hardly remember now but knew Hermione would already know the history of. It had two churches and several quaint eateries and there were less than ten thousand Muggles living there and even fewer witches and wizards. Those who did live there had blended into their habitat quite well. It was a quiet city with old, sprawling houses and verdant trees that lined the banks of the river. It was not rich with energy like London had been but then again Draco wondered if all small cities in the Americas were like this one.
They city was called Independence. It was what most people would have called and All-American city. It had neatly lined sidewalks and friendly folks that were always willing to lend a hand.
They had been there three weeks now – himself, Leo and Hermione, living as the Black family. No one, not even the elderly wizard who had rented them their flat – or apartment as it was called here – a month earlier, suspected anything. Their neighbors, both elderly couples, had welcome them warmly and taken to Leo easily. The little boy was everyday changing and charming those around him with just his smile.
It was a quaint life but it was theirs. He was finally together with the woman he had loved for what seemed like a lifetime and the little boy they had created. The only piece missing was telling Leo who his birth father was but that would happen soon, once they were settled.
Draco knew that Hermione worried. She holed up in their tiny flat most days, reading about Independence, catching up on all those things she had not learned about the United States. She looked into the American Ministry of Magic curious about their rules and the discrepancies between the continents. Draco was glad she was distracted but he knew that it would not last long. At night she slept in fits, tossing and turning, whimpering in her sleep.
She feared what might happen and he felt powerless to help her. All he could do was protect her and love her with all his heart. It was a simple thing even though it seemed impossible. But Draco would not have given up his new life for anything. He would not look back.
Cardiff, Wales
Pansy's heart filled with volatile emotion she had forgotten she could feel. There was inexplicable relief and joy while at the same time a darkening sadness. She could not move from the doorway of Neville's hospital room, watching with a strange curiosity as he smiled, still not letting go of Luna's hand.
"Y-you're…you're finally awake. Merlin's beard I never believed…"
Pansy, violet eyes wide, spoke in a voice that was thin and wavering. At one time she had been the master over her emotions but that was no more.
Neville got up and she thought it surreal that he was walking towards her, finally having let go of the other woman's hand. He offered a smile and Pansy thought he looked the picture of tired beauty. When had she begun to feel like this? Why was this different than her love for Draco? Why did it seem so impossible and yet at the same time drew her in so that she could not resist?
"They…they told me that you…it was you that brought me here. The whole time I was…trapped by Blaise I thought about coming home. I thought about…simpler times and my life here. It hadn't been so bad, you know. I thought I had contributed nothing but being Minister has…it's changed everything. All I wanted was home and it was you…"
Pansy's eyes shone with emotion she could not dream of speaking. Lord, his voice-
"We were worried you might never awaken. Are you well?"
Neville offered another smile and Pansy felt there was something beneath it, something anticipatory. Luna interrupted with a voice that was soft and grating on Pansy's nerves. Whatever Neville might have wanted to say was lost now.
"He woke this morning; the Healers all say he will be fine. We owe you a lot for bringing him here after all that's…happened. Thank you."
Pansy blinked at Luna as the blonde woman spoke and her words seemed sincere. There was an air of finality to that moment. Pansy wondered how she had begun to believe that this would be her new life, in Cardiff, with a man she hardly knew but felt so deeply for.
Neville sighed, reaching out to touch Pansy but she shook her head.
"I'll…I'll get someone to bring up some…food. I'm sure you have much to catch up on and I…"
Neville paused, a questioning look on his dark features but Pansy rushed from the room.
Left with Luna he stood watching the door through which she had run.
He only found out the next day that she had fled Cardiff and left no trace of her next destination.
It had taken Hermione weeks to feel almost like herself again. The mild weather and quiet little town had served to soothe her mind and soul. That and she had her little family at her side – the very thing she had been missing while being married to Neville.
She spent many hours of her time alone in the small apartment while allowing Draco the time to get to know a son he had never been able to raise. Draco and Leo had gotten along from the beginning and being like this, just the two of them, served only to bond them more closely. Though Leo missed Neville and it had been clear to Hermione that he had shied away from Draco at the start of their new life in Independence, all of that had changed. Now the two of them were forging a true father and son relationship. It warmed Hermione's uneasy heart to see the joy that radiated on the faces of her son and the man she was in love with.
They had decided in the end that it would be Draco who would tell Leo the truth. He would explain who the Death Eaters had been and he would express to Leo how much he loved him and how sorry he was that they couldn't have been together from the beginning. Hermione had no fear that her son, who was much wiser than his nearly seven years, would understand. It would be tough at first, for he was stubborn, but in the end he would understand.
What then, she wondered? Would she and Draco marry? Would they do as they should have a long time ago? Could she even fathom marrying another man after what she had done to Neville?
At night, when the darkness had fallen over the Midwestern town, Hermione would lay awake thinking about what might happen if the British Ministry ever found her. Surely she would pay for all her crimes – including the escape from London. They would never have sympathy; they would never understand the unbreakable bond between her and Draco. She thought about Neville and wondered if he was all right. No news had come from Cardiff; Pansy had not written, called by Floo – nothing. And yet Hermione had not received the inevitable – divorce papers.
She thought about her friends – Luna who had not spoken to her since the revelation that Draco was still alive. Seamus and Ginny surely waited for word from Hermione but she feared contacting them just in case someone was still watching. There would be time for that. And Charlie! She wondered about her old family and how they were doing.
The thoughts that she could do nothing to contact those from her past ate away at her and Hermione did not sleep for weeks. Though they had found a new life Hermione was unable to let go of the ghosts of her old one.
Marry me, Draco would whisper in the latest hours of the night, his breath against her ear and his steady, ever so steady, heartbeat against the palm of her hand. She would revel in those words because they had been all she wished to hear for so long. But she could only cry as she listened.
Marry me.
Marry me.
Ginny and Seamus rushed to Neville's side the moment they heard he had come out of his long coma. Neville received them with a bewildered joy, trying both to rejoice in the fact that he had survived his terrible ordeal and come to grips with the fact that Pansy had disappeared from his life as suddenly as she had entered it.
No one understood his obvious confusion and no one asked him about it.
Where would Pansy go now? Had she not wanted to stay? And where was Hermione? Surely, he could ask that question.
"In the United States," replied Ginny. "She left over a month ago and we have yet to hear from her."
Neville blinked. Gone, just like Pansy – disappeared from his life. These women had saved him only to abandon him and pain flooded him anew, burning through him like wildfire.
"Will she return?"
"Sure, she can't. The British Ministry will arrest her for Blaise's murder. They want to finger someone and she saved Draco's hide, she did."
"She loves him."
The statement wasn't a sad one; Neville knew whom Hermione had always loved. And the hole Pansy had left within him could only be proof that Hermione was not the only he cared for – not anymore. Not that it mattered; Pansy was gone.
"Where is Pansy?"
The question slipped from his lips before Neville could stop himself. It was an odd question, he knew, in light of the situation. It did not fit into the topic at hand. And yet, he couldn't move forward unless he knew.
"She's gone away," Luna replied uncomfortably. The silence was even more so. "No one knows where."
Neville nodded for there was nothing else to do.
He accepted the hugs and words of joy and relief from his friends. He knew there would be many more besides Seamus, Ginny and Luna. But he yearned not for those who would be there but for those who were gone. He grieved for his lost family. And his heart was not in Cardiff.
Hermione blinked staring down at Neville's neat penmanship. It had been the only thing- the first thing- that had given her proof of his well-being. He was awake! He was well!
He had signed divorce papers.
Once more she blinked. Her eyes misted over. His signature was till there – bold and even. He had given her freedom. Now, she was truly free to move on with her life. Though her past would always haunt her it was time, wasn't it?
Marry me.
Draco's whispered words of love sang in her heart. Hermione's fingers trembled.
"Oh, Neville. I'm so sorry."
Marry me.
Her heart reminded her of the man she had been meant to be with – long before she had loved Neville.
Hermione took a breath. Yes, it was time to make her family whole and this time, forever.
"You see," Draco said to Leo. "Your mother and I…we loved each other long before we had you. It was this world that kept us apart. She wanted you to be happy and safe; she wanted you to have a daddy when I couldn't be there."
Leo nodded, watching his parents carefully. He had neither expressed his joy or his disappointment when Hermione had told him of her plans to marry Draco. Her son's opinion meant the world to her and she had prayed for days that somehow, Leo would accept that changes in his life.
"The world is crazy," said the little boy.
"It is," Draco insisted. "You have to believe me if I had been given a real choice I would never have left your mommy. I love her very much. As much as I love you, Leo."
Leo's gray eyes shone.
"It's gonna be different, huh?"
"Loads different."
"Can I go visit Da-Neville?" he asked, fumbling over the newfound changes in his familial relationships. Draco never flinched.
"Neville is a great man and you are a lucky boy to know him," he said softly. "Anytime you ask and it is in my means I will make sure you see him, I promise."
Leo remained silent for a just a few moments more and finally nodded.
"Okay," he said. "Okay."
Draco and Hermione's eyes met over the top of their son's curly-haired head. In silent joy, their future had truly begun.
The sun rose high in the sky on the morning of Hermione's wedding day.
Over thirteen years after they had fallen in love, Granger married Malfoy. They broke every rule that had ever been written about Muggle-borns and purebloods. Their love had existed even in a place where hope had died.
As Hermione stood on the hill near the city hall in Independence, holding Draco's hand firmly in hers, she felt a completeness she had never known. Standing by her side was Leo, wearing a dapper gray and red suit. She couldn't remember him looking more handsome – more and more like his father each passing day.
Ginny and Seamus had brought the children. James had grown into a fine young man almost if not as handsome as his younger brother. And Lily would be as beautiful as her mother, her haunting green eyes forever a memory of Harry's existence. Seamus stood as witness alongside Draco, smiling so that his blue eyes twinkled. His hand was wrapped loosely around his wife's, the other resting on the top of her growing belly – Ginny was pregnant with her fourth child and Seamus would be a father for the first time.
This moment, what they were pledging, was right. Amidst all the wrongs in her life, those done to her and those she had done to others, this man, this love, it was right. It was real. It would be one of the things that lasted, no matter what was to come.
Hermione listened to his soft words, felt the firmness in his touch and saw the love that shone in the depths of his eyes. Draco – from the beginning – had been her only reason. Everything she had ever done, everything she would ever do – it would be because of him.
And as they said 'I do' never had they meant anything more.
Neville Longbottom shocked the staff at the Clinic when he chose to leave one day, two months after his recovery. Some had witnessed him gathering some things from his office and drinking a cup of his ginger tea before bidding them good-bye and limping off with a slow, purposeful gait. A month after his departure Neville offered the Clinic to the city of Cardiff so that the others might still benefit from what he had created.
No one from the Clinic ever saw him again; Neville had determined never to return. Although Cardiff, Wales had at one time been his home, something had changed. Something was missing.
That something missing had a name and Neville had decided he wouldn't let life pass him by. He would find her.
Draco Malfoy had married again.
Pansy had not attended the wedding and she hadn't been surprised that Draco's union with Hermione had not been announced. Last she had heard he had escaped to the United States, taking his tiny family with him.
Good for him.
Life was cruel, it was true. Pansy had loved Draco; her feelings for him would always be complicated. She knew now that it had been futile, all those years wasted on a dream that had no foothold in reality. Now he was truly with the woman he loved and Pansy would be happy for him even if it killed her.
But that didn't mean she would see him, that they would be friends. He had his own life now; she would not interfere.
Deciding where to go after she had felt Cardiff had been the hardest decision Pansy had made in a long time. In the end she chose to return to the home of her youth. She had gone to Scotland to restore her father's house. She had finally accepted the money from her family's lawyer – the money her parents had left her at the event of their deaths. Though Pansy was not wealthy she would have enough to get by, at least until there was a place for her in the new world.
The house held great memories because those were the only ones not tainted by Voldemort and his old Ministry. Those years, though forever gone, would never be erased from the banks of her memory. But she could – and she would – move on. She would restore the home herself; make it as glorious as she remembered it as a child. She would live there and soon enough she would find work. She would make it on her own; she always had.
Friends were hard to come by and in some ways Pansy believed she didn't deserve them but she hoped at some point those from her recent past would at least check in on her. If not, well, there were worse fates, she was certain. And Neville-
She wouldn't dwell on that either. That was over; she had never deserved him.
No, it wouldn't be an exiting life but it would be hers and she would make peace with it.
Pansy stared down at the city paper, gazing at the black and white photo of Draco's beaming face. Yes, one day she would truly be happy for him. But now she had a massive garden from which she had to pull all the weeds and get rid of the pesky gnomes that had taken residence within its confines many years ago. It was a start.
Without another thought, Pansy got down on her knees and began to work, putting all thoughts aside, forcing her body to do the job with determination and vigor. For how long she had been working Pansy would never remember.
All she remembered was hearing his voice again after so long.
Neville!
When she turned, knees and hands covered with rich, black earth she looked up to see his smile. Neville leaned down to offer her his hand and she smiled back forgetting the rest of the world and the promise that she would go on alone. She didn't want to, not anymore.
Pansy didn't know what it meant that Neville had found her. She would never know that he had left his life and his home so that they could have a new life…together.
One year later
The letter arrived one afternoon a year after Draco and Hermione had moved into their first home together as a married couple.
Hermione had stayed a few hours extra at the Muggle elementary school where she taught. Grading papers by hand was a tedious process and she had forgotten how much more difficult life was without magic. But she wanted nothing more than the simplicity that teaching offered her.
In fact except for a few annoyances that kept her late after school Hermione loved her life. She was working again, Leo was growing into a fine young boy, Draco was a doting husband and had a job at an American wizarding paper two cities away, and they were expecting another child. He or she would be born that winter.
After so many years of misery, God and fate had offered her bountiful blessings.
It was late afternoon when she came home and found the letter on the foot of a tawny colored owl. That's how she had known it was strictly from someone from the wizarding community. She knew it could only be one of several people and she didn't immediately look down at the postmark.
Ginny kept in touch with Hermione frequently, taking every chance possible to visit with her though there were many miles between them. When she couldn't call or visit she would write incredibly long letters. She heralded the birth of her second baby girl who was called Molly Ann Finnigan. She told stories of growing older and the frustrations of raising a growing family and the challenges of running a growing number of orphanages.
Harry's three children had grown into beautiful young adults and they came to visit on their own volition. They told stories of England, of what was going on and how the orphanages had been a success. Albus had even written letters detailing that the British Ministry had broken ground for a new school for magic though it would no longer be in Scotland. James wrote letters chock full with stories of his first few months at university in France where he would was studying to be an Auror just like his father.
And there were Seamus' letters filled with stories of politics – how prejudice still existed and how Ernie McMillan had been voted in as the new Minister for Magic after Neville had abandoned the post. These were usually addressed to Draco.
Though they were a continent away from the people that Hermione loved she couldn't have felt closer to them.
So when she looked down at the letter in her hand her heart stopped in shock and she gasped. The letter wasn't from Ginny, Seamus or any of the children. Her hands trembled openly. Hermione would have recognized that handwriting anywhere.
Neville, oh, Neville!
It had been over a year since she had last word from Neville, after all. He had granted her a divorce without ever speaking to her, silently setting her free. Hermione had hoped that they could salvage some of their past friendship even though she knew that it would have been nearly impossible. Why would Neville have wanted it after what she had done?
But now there was the letter.
Behind her the sun began to set slowly and pulling the precious correspondence to her chest, Hermione rushed to the backyard towards the river bank as quickly as her present condition would allow her. She was already in her sixth month and the coming baby was making her tired.
Once she was alone she allowed herself to stare at the envelope for another second before breathlessly tearing it open. She didn't notice that Draco and Leo were playing a hybrid game of Quidditch and Muggle football. She was aware of only the written words on the page before her.
My Dearest Hermione,
I am sure you find yourself wondering why I am writing. Perhaps too much time has passed for closure between us, I do not know. If that is true, I fully admit it is my entire fault. But all this time, I simply could not find the right words to express my heart. I think of you often and I miss you. I miss Leo terribly and pray for him each night.
I know you, Hermione. I know you've wondered about me as well.
Hermione's heart beat weakly within her and she nodded, biting her lip and continuing to read.
I hope your new life has afforded you many blessings. You deserve them more than anyone I know. I heard you are in America now. The Prophet has recently had many good articles on the botanical research being done in conjunction with the American Ministry for Magic. You would be brilliant at working on projects like that but I am sure by this time you have found work that makes you happy and fulfilled. Belated felicitations on your new marriage; I hope you know I am happy for you. I know you loved me but it would have been wrong of me to hold onto you because you loved someone more. My mistake was not seeing what was there the entire time.
Hermione, I acted like a fool when you first told me about the things you went through at that disgusting Alienage. I condemned Draco Malfoy simply because of what he was. We cannot take back the things we have done in the past but I want you to know how sorry I am about the way I acted.
I am doing quite well, actually. Ginny and Seamus' little one just had a birthday; she's one year old. Molly Ann is bloody beautiful, just like Ginny. She's got Seamus' eyes though; no one in the Weasley family ever had eyes that brilliant blue color. Lily and the boys just love doting on her. Charlie and Angelina came in from the coast for a holiday. They've got two of their own boys now in addition to little Roxanne. Their boys remind me so much of Fred and George even though they're still just toddlers! I'm invited there often and when I get together with them its like being with the Weasley family all over again.
For a few moments, Hermione could not continue because her eyes and filled and spilled over, slipping down her cheeks. For a long moment she thought about Ron and all the other Weasleys who were now long gone. It did her heart good to know that though Charlie and Ginny the family would continue to grow and thrive. There could be no better blessing, could there?
I don't know if you knew (or perhaps you did) but I left Cardiff. I haven't returned to Wales since after waking from the coma. I wager it's been over a year now.
Pansy Parkinson left Cardiff shortly after I woke. She had been there the entire time I was in that hospital bed and she didn't even give me a bloody chance to thank her! She left this hole in my heart and it made me realize that I couldn't sit around and let life happen to me anymore. I had to take control. You know how I am, Hermione. I went too long without telling you how I felt. I wasn't adamant enough about my feelings for Luna. And then when she was finally ready to return my feelings it was too late and I was a coward and couldn't tell her. She's moved to Cairo; I haven't heard anything else.
I was afraid I'd do it again, you know, so I followed Pansy after she fled. I wasn't sure why. I thought maybe I'd thank her for what she had done for me.
She'd gone to Scotland, a little village in the west. I offered her help restoring her father's house and she agreed. She's a quiet woman but I know you know that. We worked for months on that house and I found comfort in that mutual silence. It brought me to many realizations about who I am.
Hermione, I married her. It seems mental, doesn't it? But I am happy, for the first time in ages. She looks at me in a way – well, don't be angry at me but – in a way that you never did. With Pansy I am never unsure. Sometimes second chances really are a saving grace. I'm no longer angry about the past, my dear. I am no longer sorry about the way things happened because if there's any truth in this world it is that everything happens for a reason. One thing falls apart so another can come together.
Hermione found herself crying tears of joy.
I have included our post address. Please, if you and Draco are ever in a traveling mood and come back to Great Britain, drop in, won't you? Pansy misses Draco and I wager you as well for she speaks fondly of you many evenings after we have had supper. And I miss Leo – please don't think I am intruding but I miss him very much. I would love a photograph if you have time.
I hope this missive finds you well and Pansy and I will be waiting with anticipation to hear from you and Draco. Send my love to Leo and tell him I miss him and hope to see him soon.
With much love I remain,
Your Neville
Hermione read Neville's words again and again as the sky began to glow orange with the coming evening. At some point Draco had abandoned his boisterous game with Leo to join Hermione by one of the willows that was growing along the river's edge.
"Bloody married," he whispered his eyes wide with wonder. "I…"
Hermione reached up clasp his hand and allowed him to help her to a standing position. She leaned into him and Draco draped his arms around her waist to rest on her burgeoning belly.
"He's happy," she murmured her voice imbued with joy. "I thought I had ruined everything but now he's…"
She turned her chin up to see Draco's trembling smile.
"Pansy's married," he said more to himself than to Hermione. When he looked down at her his eyes were shining.
"I wanted her to…know what this feels like," he whispered leaning down to capture Hermione's mouth with his for a blissful moment. Hermione ran her fingers along Draco's jaw when they pulled apart.
"Pansy is blessed. Neville was a good husband," she said sincerely. "He was kind and loving, endlessly patient and supportive. His only flaw was that he wasn't you."
Draco sighed, relaxing more in the circle of Hermione's arms.
"I love you, Hermione."
"And I love you," she replied, speaking with all the passion and joy she felt in her heart.
"You know, it's about time we go to Britain on holiday," he suggested. "I think my parents might still own property in Scotland somewhere. Fancy stopping by to visit the Longbottoms?"
Hermione grinned up at her husband.
"Leo's going to be excited."
She offered him a grin.
"Not to mention how you've read my mind. We should go in. I'll Floo Neville immediately."
Draco stopped her, nodding towards the sun that was just being to set along the vast horizon.
"The day isn't done yet," he mused. "But I think all that horrid stuff that's become our past just might be over."
They stood side by side gazing over at the beautiful skyline. Hermione felt a peace she had never known. They watched as the sun sank behind the horizon and the sky turned brilliant shades of red and orange. Hermione watched, leaning against Draco, as the sun disappeared completely.
Soon enough the day ended and the sky began to darken. Night was coming. They stared at the sky. It was crimson with a silver lining.
-Fin-
"We found love in a hopeless place."
Thanks again, everyone! I can't say enough how much your support has helped me finish this story! I hope you check back occasionally; I have something new in the works. But first I'm taking a bit of a writing break! I'll be back again soon. Thanks and many hugs! I love you all.
LCailan